Canada, like so many other countries worldwide, is experiencing workforce imbalance.
As we move through our careers, fewer people are standing in line to take our place. Within the next decade or two, the number of retired professionals will outnumber those working.
Many jobs are being replaced by automated versions of themselves yet, can we automate our next generation of leaders?
Today’s human resources and management teams are confronted with a group of business challenges that are unique to this generation. For the first time in history, three generations (and in some rare instances four generations) are employed within the same company.
However, despite the breadth of experience and knowledge in organizations, we do a very poor job of passing this information along to one another.
Baby boomers are the largest generation in history to retire. As this group begins leaving the workplace in the next five years, the next decade will be characterized by a new generation of leaders.
The generation in line to succeed the boomers, Generation X, has not been equipped with the leadership skills and knowledge needed to assume the responsibility passed along to it.
Our workplaces have been trimmed from the top down over the last decade as businesses raced to improve their competitiveness in the marketplace. With those cuts have been development programs for employees. Yet programs such as workplace mentoring can help organizations with succession planning and the growth and development of business.
One program that has recently popped up in the community to help the next generation of leaders develop their “leading” skill set is hosted by FUSION Halifax.
The group developed a mentoring program that pairs leaders in the community with individuals interested in honing their skills, pushing their careers, and getting some sage advice from those that have done it before them.
A second program is hosted by ISIS, the Immigrant Settlement and Integrations Services. This group matched new immigrants with individuals that have experience in Canada in their field of work. This program helps those new Canada ask questions around the cultural experience of working in these roles in Canada, and how they can integrate their skills into this new environment.
Both programs are actively looking for both mentors and mentees. Take some time to consider if you have time to help pass along your learning to the next generation of leaders and make a difference in Halifax tomorrow, today.
Christina Carew is a member of FUSION Halifax. Visit FUSIONHalifax.ca to find out how you can get involved to help make Halifax a better place to live, work and play.
